Self-medication with GLP-1 receptor agonists among Brazilian Adults: findings from a web-based survey

BACKGROUND: The popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for weight loss has increased significantly in recent years, raising concerns about self-medication with these medications. OBJECTIVE: To assess the proportion and identify factors associated with GLP-1 RA use without medical prescription among GLP-1 RA users in Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted through a self-administered online questionnaire including adults aged 18 years or older residing in Brazil who reported current or past use of GLP-1 RAs for weight loss. We reported the proportion of self-medication and explored associated factors using Poisson regression with robust variance, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: A total of 860 participants were included (mean age: 39.46 ± 10.61 years; 82.0% female; 47.1% with obesity). The proportion of self-medication with GLP-1 RA was 23.8% (95% CI: 21.1-26.8%). Predictors of self-medication included not having obesity (PR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.13-1.89), not attending physical training centers (PR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.23-1.96), and working in healthcare-related professions (PR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.14-1.84). Conversely, being married (PR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.57-0.94), having diabetes (PR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.18-0.70), or having eating disorders (PR = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.34-0.97) were associated with lower self-medication rates. CONCLUSION: Almost one in four users reported using GLP-1 RAs without medical prescription. This practice was more frequent among individuals without obesity, those not attending physical training centers, and healthcare professionals.